US Air Force airmen at Paya Lebar Air Base, Singapore, are engaged in air-to-air combat training with and against the F-5s and F-16s of the Singapore Air Force, in an exercise known as Commando Sling. For the 18th Fighter Squadron from Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, practicing air-to-air maneuvers in a hot, humid environment and over bodies of water is a new experience, which their commander, Lt. Col. Dieter Bareihs, says is good training. Learning the different combat scenarios through this exercise is supposed to strengthen the alliance and enhance the safety of the Pacific Region.
As Air Force leaders consider concepts of operations for Collaborative Combat Aircraft, sustainment in the field—and easing that support by using standard parts and limiting variants—should be a key consideration, according to a new study from AFA's Mitchell Institute of Aerospace Studies.